Arachidonate 15-lipoxygenase-mediated production of Resolvin D5(n-3 DPA) abrogates pancreatic stellate cell-induced cancer cell invasion

Activation of pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs) to cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) is responsible for the extensive desmoplastic reaction observed in PDAC stroma: a key driver of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) chemoresistance leading to poor prognosis. Specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs) are prime modulators of inflammation and its resolution, traditionally thought to be produced by immune cells. Using liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)-based lipid mediator profiling PSCs as well as primary human CAFs express enzymes and receptors to produce and respond to SPMs. Human PSC/CAF SPM secretion profile can be modulated by rendering these cells activated [transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β)] or quiescent [all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA)]. ATRA-induced nuclear translocation of arachidonate-15-lipoxygenase (ALOX15) was linked to increased production of n-3 docosapentaenoic acid-derived Resolvin D5 (RvD5(n-3 DPA)), among other SPMs. Inhibition of RvD5(n-3 DPA) formation increases cancer cell invasion, whereas addback of this molecule reduced activated PSC-mediated cancer cell invasion. We also observed that circulating concentrations of RvD5(n-3 DPA) levels were decreased in peripheral blood of metastatic PDAC patients when compared with those measured in plasma of non-metastatic PDAC patients. Together, these findings indicate that RvD5(n-3 DPA) may regulate cancer–stroma cross-talk and invasion.